Martins demands Toon focus

21 May 2009 09:11

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Obafemi Martins insists Newcastle must only focus on their game against Aston Villa as they look to escape on 'Survival Sunday'.
The Magpies dropped back into the relegation zone last weekend after a 1-0 home defeat by Fulham and are now facing the prospect of slipping into the Championship.
Alan Shearer's side must better Hull City's result against Manchester United or overturn Sunderland's two-point advantage - with the Black Cats at home to Chelsea - if they are to extend their Premier League stay into a 16th season.
Striker Martins, who is confident of overcoming a groin injury in time to take to the field at Villa Park, does not want his team-mates to be distracted by events elsewhere.
"We have to win; that's all we can do. We have to look after our own result," the Nigeria international admitted.
Everything
"We must stay together and help each other to stay up, and that is the only way we can do that."
Should Newcastle suffer the drop then striker Martins is widely expected to leave St James' Park, with Arsenal reported to be interested and a return to Serie A another possibility.
But the former Inter Milan striker has vowed to give everything to help Newcastle stay in the Premier League.
Martins said: "It would mean everything to me to keep this club up. I don't want to be relegated and I don't want this club to be relegated either.
"I love the fans here. They are the best. And that's why we must fight to stay up."